Structural & Exterior Work
Roofing & Waterproofing Contractors in New York City
Roofing and waterproofing contractors for flat roofs and building envelope.

Roofing and waterproofing in New York City mostly means flat roofs, drainage, and keeping water out of aging buildings. Roof replacement, waterproofing, rooftop decks, and drainage improvements protect both the building and the units below. The roofing contractors listed here manage roof replacement and repair, rooftop deck construction, and building-wide waterproofing across the five boroughs.
What this service includes
roofing & waterproofing in New York City typically covers the work below. The exact scope depends on your building, your goals, and the permits required, but a qualified general contractor will scope and sequence every item so the project stays compliant and on schedule.
- Flat roof replacement and repair coordination
- Roof waterproofing and membrane work
- Rooftop deck and terrace construction
- Roof drainage improvements
- Basement and exterior wall waterproofing
- Roofing project management
Common construction and renovation projects
Within roofing & waterproofing, the following are the most common project types contractors take on across the five boroughs. Each one has its own page with scope, considerations, and contractor listings so you can drill into exactly what your project needs.
Roofing Project Management
Managing roofing projects end to end.
Roof Replacement Coordination
Coordinating roof replacement projects.
Roof Repair Coordination
Coordinating roof repairs.
Flat Roofing
Flat roof membrane installation and repair.
Commercial Roofing
Commercial roofing systems.
Roof Waterproofing
Waterproofing of roof surfaces.
Rooftop Deck Construction
Building rooftop decks with structure and waterproofing.
Roof Terrace Renovation
Renovation of roof terraces.
Roof Drainage Improvements
Improving roof drainage and scuppers.
Building Waterproofing
Building-wide waterproofing solutions.
Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing systems.
Exterior Wall Waterproofing
Waterproofing of exterior walls.
Residential applications
Townhouse and small-building roofs need membrane replacement, drainage, and often rooftop deck installation that adds usable outdoor space.
Commercial applications
Commercial flat roofs require durable membranes, drainage design, and often rooftop equipment coordination, plus compliance with energy code.
Planning, permits, and project considerations
New York City construction is regulated at the Department of Buildings and, depending on the building, at the Landmarks Preservation Commission and your board. These are the project considerations most often in play for roofing & waterproofing:
- Flat roofs need proper drainage and tapered insulation
- Roof decks add load and require structural review
- Waterproofing failures cause most roof-related damage
- Roof work often pairs with Local Law 11 facade projects
How to choose a general contractor for this work
Confirm licensing and insurance
Ask for the contractor's license number and proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance before signing anything.
Get a written, itemized proposal
A reliable estimate comes after an on-site walkthrough. Conditions behind the walls often change the scope, so a fixed or not-to-exceed price beats a round number.
Check building-type experience
Co-op, condo, brownstone, and commercial work each have their own rules. A contractor who has done your building type in your neighborhood will navigate it faster.
Ask who supervises the site
Find out who is on site daily, how trades are coordinated, and how change orders and cleanup are handled — the answer matters more than the headline price.
Industries this work serves
Roofing & Waterproofing is a core service for several of the building types in our industries we serve. Visit the matching industry page for project types, contractor specialties, and the NYC considerations that apply to that building type.
Related service categories
Roofing & Waterproofing often pairs with these other services on a renovation or construction project in New York City. A general contractor typically coordinates them under a single scope and permit set.
Exterior Renovation & Building Improvements
Exterior contractors for facades, painting, stucco, siding, and envelope work.
View services
Decks, Terraces & Outdoor Construction
Outdoor construction for rooftop decks, terraces, patios, and backyards.
View services
Basement Remodeling & Finishing
Basement finishing contractors for NYC homes and buildings.
View services
Roofing & Waterproofing — frequently asked questions
Find contractors for roofing & waterproofing
Browse the directory by NYC area to compare general contractors who offer this service, then contact the contractor who fits your project directly — no middleman.